Specialist Knowledge for Early Years Practitioners

This programme supports Early Years teachers to develop specialist knowledge for teaching maths, complementing teaching for mastery approaches as exemplified in NCETM’s Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery

Who can take part?

The programme is designed for individuals who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths to three to five years olds.

This may be particularly relevant for NQTs, teachers that have moved phases or teachers that have not received maths-specific training.

Maths leads in primary schools who want to deepen their knowledge of Early Years maths practice would benefit from participating in this programme. A maths lead may find that participating alongside an Early Years teacher from their school will support their understanding of progression from Foundation Stage to KS1.

What is involved?

Participants will attend the equivalent of four days, where they will collaboratively work on maths tasks facilitated by Cohort Leads.

There is opportunity for structured conversations in order to unpick the maths, the pedagogy modelled within sessions, misconceptions that pupils have, and how the approaches can be transferred to the participants’ classrooms.

Between sessions, participants contribute to their online community, complete school-based tasks, and share their observations through discussions with peers.

What are the intended outcomes?

Pupil outcomes

Pupils will:

  • be able to communicate their maths and mathematical thinking through graphical representations and/or appropriate language
  • use mathematical vocabulary and thinking in everyday activities
  • demonstrate a positive attitude towards maths, being willing to have a go, persevere, and share their mathematical ideas.

Practice development

Participants will:

  • explore and increase their use of a range of pedagogic approaches that will support pupils in engaging with and developing their maths
  • increase their confidence in enhancing opportunities for mathematical learning in all areas of provision
  • model the use of mathematical language and thinking as part of everyday activities in the setting.

Professional learning

Participants will:

  • demonstrate enhanced maths subject knowledge using developmental learning trajectories to assess and plan for sequential leaning opportunities
  • understand how maths opportunities can be developed across all areas and in everyday routines.

What is the cost?

The Early Years Specialist Knowledge Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How can I get involved?

To reserve your place on a work group during 25/26, please complete the form below and we will be in touch to confirm your place, subject to availability, when we have further details

Early Years Specialist Knowledge 25/26